Protective Factor	Definition
Positive work environment	working in an environment that is safe, supportive and free of harassment/discrimination
Stable employment	steady paid employment
Temporary financial support	receiving a financial supplement on a short or fixed-term basis in order to overcome a temporary obstacle (e.g., Ontario Works, etc.)
Work life balance	positive use of time; employment schedule includes adequate down-time and time to pursue personal interests

Housing and Neighbourhood

Protective Factor	Definition
Access to/availability of resources, professional services and social supports	access to/availability of resources, professional services and social supports
Access to stable housing	stable housing is available that they may access at any time
Appropriate, sustainable housing	lives in appropriate, sustainable housing, in which they are reasonably expected to remain
Housing in close proximity to services	lives in close proximity to resources, professional services and social supports
Positive, cohesive community	resides in a community that promotes positive thoughts and/or behaviour and has a reasonable level of social cohesion
Relationships established with neighbours	relationships with neighbours assist in providing a strong network of support

Mental Health

Protective Factor	Definition
Accessing resources/services related to mental health	currently accessing resources and/or services (i.e., involved in counselling, seeing a psychologist, addictions counselling, etc.)
Adaptability	ability and willingness to adjust to different situations while communicating and building relationships
Personal coping strategies	the ability to solve/minimize personal and interpersonal problems related to stress or conflict
Self-efficacy	belief in their own ability to complete tasks and reach goals; self-motivated
Self esteem	positive perceptions of his/her self-worth
Taking prescribed medication	taking prescribed medication for a mental health disorder in accordance with doctor's instructions